Over the years, I’ve learned a few things—sometimes the hard way—when it comes to preserving boxwood clippings. What started as a simple DIY turned into a bit of a science experiment (with a few moldy mishaps along the way!). After lots of trial and error, I’ve discovered better techniques that keep your clippings vibrant, healthy-looking, and mold-free for seasons to come. I’m updating this post to share everything I’ve learned so you can enjoy beautiful, preserved boxwood without the guesswork. Let’s get your greenery looking its best—and lasting longer!
One of my first projects this year is preserving Boxwood cuttings. I purchased the necessary supplies and now that it is getting warmer I am ready. Time to preserve some boxwood cuttings. I have boxwood shrubs in my front landscaping so why not take advantage of what is right in my yard.I cut the boxwood into 8 inch pieces when I possible. Some are a little shorter, but it will all work out when assembling the wreaths.
- One cup Glycerin
- Two tablespoons Absorbit Stem Dye
- In a pinch you could use Food Coloring or Rite Dye but Absorbit dye works best for long lasting results
- One tablespoon Citric Acid
- One and one-half cups hot water
- Boxwood clippings
- Gloves
- Spoon to mix the above
- Containers to hold cuttings. I used Mason jars and a big glass bowl.
Mix glycerin, citric acid and absorbit dye in a large container. Once mixed add to your individual containers.
Remove all the leaves at the bottom so that no leaves will be in the dye water. I learned this the hard way. Clip the boxwood cuttings ends again before placing in solution.
Tip: Crush or split the ends of the stems to help them absorb the solution faster.
I used several mason jars but I like the big bowl plan better. It gives plenty of room for the boxwood to breathe. Add the solution to containers just enough to cover the stem bottoms of the cuttings.
When placing the boxwood cuttings in the solution make sure the stem bottom is covered by the liquid.
Now we just wait for 20 days or so. The leaves should feel smooth and fresh when touched as the days go by.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS:
One problem that is common is mold growth while preserving your cuttings. Here’s what can cause mold growth when preserving boxwood with a dye and glycerin solution:
Why Mold Happens:
- Leaves Submerged in Liquid
If the leaves touch the glycerin/dye solution, they’ll absorb too much moisture and start to decay. Only the stem ends should be in the liquid. - Too Much Humidity or Poor Air Circulation
Mold thrives in still, damp environments. If your clippings are in a stuffy room with no airflow or are bunched too tightly together, moisture gets trapped. - Dirty Clippings or Containers
If your clippings weren’t washed or the container wasn’t clean, bacteria and mold spores can grow fast. Dirt, insects, and fungus can hitch a ride from the garden. - Overly Warm Water in the Solution
While warm water helps dissolve glycerin, too-hot water can “cook” the stems and cause them to rot. - Old or Decomposing Clippings
If the boxwood was already starting to dry out or decay before placing it in the solution, it won’t preserve well—and mold is almost guaranteed.
How to Prevent Mold:
- Use freshly cut, healthy clippings
- Rinse the cuttings in cool water and gently pat dry
- Strip lower leaves so none touch the liquid
- Store in a cool, dry area with good airflow
- Use a clean jar or vase—sanitize it if possible
- Check regularly and remove any that look slimy or soft
For a demonstration on How To Preserve Boxwood check my YouTube Video.
USE YOUR BOXWOOD: The boxwood is preserved and if you want to see the assembling of a wreath go here: Boxwood Preserved Wreaths
See you soon!
Oh this is awesome! I’ve never thought to preserve my boxwood cuttings. Another thing to add to my to-do list for 2017!
Oh this is cool! I can’t wait to see the finished product – I always wondered how this was done!
I so need this tutorial! Boxwood wreaths are so very pretty and I’ve always wanted one. Now all I need to do it find a neighbor with a bush that needs a little trimming!
Thanks so much for the inspiration!
{BIG hugs}
~ Ashley
I absolutely adore boxwood wreaths. This is so good to know. Pinned for later!
This is so pretty! it gave me an idea to do this with my glass jars I collect. Thanks for the inspiration.
Maria
hi there got you off mostly blogging site and love your blog good to get you know you better. joined yours :)
see you around the blogosphere blessings donna maria
Love this tutorial! Thanks for sharing! I’ll definitely be doing this soon!
Do you need to keep adding the liquid formula as I assume it gets absorbed long before the 20’days are up?
Hi Debbie Normally the clippings do not absorb all the liquid in the 20 days. If they do just add a little more. I think they do better when only 5 – 6 inches long and in a bowl with plenty of breathing room. I have used mason jars and bowls and I have better luck with the bowls. Thanks for the great question. Good luck on your boxwood.
Hi, I used both bowl and hard but the leaves when touched just fell off! What a waste of time and mess. I followed the directions. Oh well. Any suggestions?
Hi Betty that is disappointing I know. When I first tried I had a couple of fails. It sounds like the cuttings did not absorb the liquid. How long were you cuttings? Were there any that came out right? My first try at this part of them absorbed and part didn’t. I realized later that the ends have to be freshly cut and it even helps to smash the ends of the cuttings to open them up and that the cuttings shouldn’t be too long.
Well this must explain why I never have success when leaving mine to dry. haha! Now I know! Thank you for linking up with us at The Creative Circle Link Party BonBon!
I am trying the instructions step by step but I think there is to much Rit dye? I purchased dark green dye and I heated the filtered water to make it hot. It’s dark blue! The video shows food coloring. Most tutorials I’ve seen say to use Rit as it performs better and lasts longer. But why is it blue?
If you bought dark green Rit dye it should turn out to be green. I do not recommend using hot water, it may harm the cuttings. Let the dye/water cool and see if it looks more green. Do not us food coloring. I did try the food color when first attempting to preserve but it does not work. That is an old picture. Use the Rit Dye. Are you saying its too dark when you say too much Rit Dye?
It’s just full on blue actually. I dipped white cotton in the mixture explained (water, glycerine, citric acid) and it turned a dusty blue. Then dipped white cotton in just Rit dye and warm water. It’s actually more of an sage green. I experimented a little and added the glycerine and the citric acid to the plain water and Rit and it changed the fabric blue again. So… I don’t know if it’s the Rit (even thought the water and Rit turned more of a sage green) that’s not good (just bought it on Amazon) or if it’s the citric acid and glycerine (which clearly turns it blue). Either way, the dark green is not the way to go but unfortunately nobody really says which color to use. I used up my 32oz. Bottle of glycerine with the Rit that didn’t work so now I am down to the last mixture I made which has green food coloring in it instead of Rit. I’m wondering if it Will be okay to use for 2 days till I get another bottle of glycerine. Thoughts? I truly appreciate your help and your farmhouse ideas! :)
Do you know if this technique works with any other cuttings? I’m really hoping to peeserve some olive branches :)
Hi Lizzie, I haven’t tried this technique on other cutting but I do not know why it would not work. Make sure the branches are not too long and that the ends are freshly cut so that they will absorb the liquid. This is a great idea. I would love to see how it turns out. Good Luck!
I love this! Happy New Year Bon Bon!
laura
Hi Laura
Happy New Year to you as well. How have you been?
Thank you so much for these directions! Does the 2 Tablespoons of Rit dye mean 2T of the powder, or 2T of liquid that is made once the directions on the dye package are followed?
Question- when do you add the water!? I guess just in order? Also, I noticed you use more Citric acid than other recipes, any particular reason why? Thanks!
Hi Marie. Thanks for your questions. Yes I just add the water in the order of the steps outlined. The citric acid is the natural preservative for the boxwood. I have had good luck with this amount, so that is what I recommend. Good luck with your preserving. BB
Is the glycerin used the same that is sold to restore consistency to icing?
Hi Kim, I do not know if it would be the same. I am not familiar with the glycerin used to restore consistency to icing. Thanks for writing. BB
My cutting have been sitting in the solution for 2 weeks now and I see that one container of stems have mold growing at the stem/water line. Have you ever heard of this and is there a solution besides tossing? Thanks!